Police identify skeletal remains as missing Franklin Square man

Police found of skeletal remains in a wooded area near the Southern State Parkway.

COURTESY JOHN SCALESI

By Melissa Koenig

New York State Police have identified the body found in a wooded area near the Southern State Parkway Exit 15 South as Stephen Roque, a 65 year old from Franklin Square.

The Nassau County Police Department had an open missing persons case for Roque, which led to a family member confirming his identity. His remains were found by a passerby who called the police at 2:24 p.m. on Feb. 4. New York State police, investigators from the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Nassau County Medical Examiner then rushed to the scene.

According to state troopers, Roque's remains appear to have been there for approximately six months. At this time, police said, he appeared to have died of natural causes, but an autopsy is still pending.